Tuesday, 6 August 2013

‘iPoints’ is first third level digital app for calculating points

The first official third level app designed for students to calculate leaving certificate points has been launched by NUI Galway. iPoints - the free app is a must for all Leaving Cert students expecting their results on Wednesday, 14 August and is available through iTunes as of today (6 August).

NUI Galway, in partnership with former information technology student Paul Herron, developed the iPhone app. The app will allow Leaving Certificate students to quickly and easily calculate their points when they receive their exam results.

Paul, originally from Letterkenny, Co Donegal, explained: “This app aims to simplify the point calculation process for students to relieve some of the stress of Leaving Cert’ results day.”

CAO points are calculated based on a student’s six highest results in one sitting of the Leaving Certificate. Students using the app will simply enter their results for each subject, indicating whether it is higher or ordinary level. The app calculates the number of points attained in each subject, and indicates the total. The app calculates 25 additional points to be added for Higher Maths if relevant, and allows for Leaving Certificate Vocational Programme (LCVP) scores to be included.

The app also gives students the option to share their results by text message, or through social media channels, such as Facebook and Twitter, if they wish.

Commenting on the app, Stephen O’Dea, Admissions Officer at NUI Galway said: “New technology is continually shaping the way we live and manage our lives and the iPoints points calculator is another useful tool in our increasingly hectic lives, and as every Leaving Cert’ student knows, results day is very hectic indeed.

As NUI Galway has a well established reputation in software development, the app’s benefits to all Leaving Cert’ students, is a compelling indicator of what can be achieved in third level education.”

NUI Galway is the only third level institution to offer a points calculator app to students.